“Will Karachi host the PSL 2018 final?” Sethi says ‘true’

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) chairman Najam Sethi has apparently quashed rumours surrounding venue of the much-awaited cricket league’s final – and if we go by the tweet of Mr. Sethi, it’s Karachi that is likely to host the event finale.

About the National Stadium Karachi, Mr. Sethi had said at a recent presser: “The stadium will be renovated in two phases. We are looking to complete the first phase in the next four months, in time for PSL 3. The long-term plan, which will take a-year-and-a-half and will cost around Rs1.5 billion.”

“Our bigger concern at this moment is to make sure the stadium is ready in time for PSL3. That needs to happen so that we can start convincing players to come to Karachi for a few matches.”

“I have met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and discussed Karachi’s security situation with him. We are working on a plan,” he said.

The players’ draft for PSL will be held on November 10, in Lahore, whereas the 2018 edition of the tournament will be played in February next year.

Security situation

The representatives from security consultancy firm Eastern Star International, which works with the International Cricket Council, the Federation of International Cricketers Associations and other such bodies, visited the National Stadium of Karachi on October 23, to compile their report on the venue’s security arrangements for next year’s league.

Among the visiting contingent was Reg Dickason, who was shown around the stadium by Pakistan Cricket Board’s head of security Colonel Azam.

The official has reportedly expressed satisfaction on security situation of Karachi to host the PSl matches.